Calls come as Holyrood Committee publish report on public funding to voluntary organisations.
Responding to the Scottish Parliament’s Social Justice and Social Security Committee’s report on Scottish Government funding to voluntary organisations, published today (13 November 2024), Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) Chief Executive Anna Fowlie said:
"I welcome today's report, and the committee's recommendations. Throughout their inquiry, the Committee heard from witness after witness of how the practice and culture around public funding for voluntary organisations is broken.
“Too often and for too long voluntary organisations providing vital services to people and communities across Scotland contend with budget cuts, short-term funding cycles, late payment, incoherent decision-making, poor communication, inadequate grant management and more. That must end.
“The voluntary sector needs a funding landscape that is fair, flexible, sustainable, and accessible - as long-advocated by SCVO and recommended by the committee today.
“At a time when many voluntary organisations are facing extreme financial difficulties, these long-standing calls are more essential than ever.
“The prize is a sustainable sector, strong public services, and resilient communities – one the Scottish Government must grasp with both hands.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Find a copy of the Committee's Report: